For a show as big as Tuesday’s Nightmare Before Xmas (the ‘x’ is for copyright purposes) was, I don’t have much new to tell you. Love You Long Time are still amazing bundles of party energy, Shiny Toy Guns drummer Mikey Martin is still the most entertaining thing on any stage he graces, and I still hate Victim Effect. So let’s do this chronologically.
I was under the impression that LYLT was going to start this thing off right. An associate of mine told me earlier in the day that Victim Effect would be there. I thought, however, that she was just making fun of me and I refused to believe her, so I showed up real early so as not to miss LYLT and then hid in the bathroom during Victim Effect’s set. Seriously, still nothing good about ‘em, although Dave and I thought it interesting that you can totally sing “Hotel California” to the VE song “Boom.” It’s a mashup I should get done. The sad thing that I realized is this:
Bands I Have Seen the Most:
- Saves the Day (five times)
- Victim Effect (four times)
- Weezer (three times)
I mean, that’s only technically true. If you recall, I left my first Victim Effect show before they even took the stage, left the second one during the second song, was doing intern duties during their set at the Big Ass Show, and then hiding in the bathroom this most recent time, but that’s still four shows connected with a band I don’t care for at all. Lame.
Love You Long Time is, quite honestly, the reason I went to this show. I was strongly considering it because I enjoy Shiny Toy Guns, but there’s no way I could refuse with LYLT playing as well. I know, in the past, I’ve made fun of Victim Effect for their synchronized head banging, and much of what LYLT could, I suppose, be contrued as similarly silly looking. The difference is that LYLT knows it looks kind of ridiculous, and isn’t being all angsty about it. Thus making it entertaining! No, but for real, ya’ll need to check these folk out. They just moved to L.A. so you California types now have greater access to them. Treat them well, or we shall be very upset.
I Hate Kate was supposed to be at the Big Ass Show, but somebody got sick and they couldn’t play, so we got them back here for Nightmare Before Xmas. I can now give my verdict: Yeah, kinda sounds like Zebrahead. I was a little underwhelmed by their set. There was a mandolin, could’ve been a banjo, I dunno, I was in the back and it was poorly mic’d. They did do an interesting cover of “Major Tom,” but that’s about the highlight.
I feel pretty bad for Data Rock. They came all the way from Norway to get one of the most tepid receptions I’ve ever seen given to a band. I mean, I guess I didn’t help, but I was as unimpressed as everybody else. They put a good amount of energy into the show, and weren’t deterred by nobody clapping or dancing when instructed to. I don’t know what it was about them, but I just wasn’t feeling it at all. Although I will give them this: They dropped this kind of heavy riff with just the drums and bass, and it made me smile to think that Victim Effect needed three guitars the same thing. Sorry Data Rock. I mean, more people were singing along to Daft Punk’s “Around the World” during the DJ set between bands than participated in Data Rock’s audience participation bits.
Speaking of the DJ set, DJ/dc did some good things for me. Heard some Rapture (”Whoo - Uh Huh, Yeah…Alright!”), some Nine Inch Nails (”Closer” and “The Hand That Feeds”), some Cure (”Why Can’t I Be You”), some Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre (”Nothing But a G Thang”), and some Prince (”Let’s Go Crazy”). The best part of all that is that is provided the soundtrack to the breakdancing circle that opened up at the back of the venue. We even had our presence graced by MC Oz from Love You Long Time (he won the day dancing, by the way).
So then, Shiny Toy Guns have been on the road a long time, and they are improving the whole time. So is Chad Petree’s beard, which I think has been growing since I saw them back in May. Okay, maybe not that long, but if you check out our Flickr you can see it for yourself. In May they seemed really concerned about perfection (something that happens when the version of the album for sale now is version 3.4 or something), Tuesday I was getting the feeling that feeling has taken a bigger role. That may also mean nothing, but they put on a very good show. I’ve got the set list here, if that’s what you’re into. When you go see STG remember that Carah Faye may be eye candy, but you really should be watching Mikey Martin on the drums. Also, “Waiting” sounds amazing live. Good times, great oldies.
Link to the LovetheMusic’s Flickr Photoset of X96’s show
X96
Love You Long Time // MySpace
Shiny Toy Guns // MySpace // Buy We Are Pilots
Shiny Toy Guns - Waiting [4:21m]:
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Love You Long Time - Dreamkiller [3:55m]:
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at least three more to accompany it. A song will be released on the 13th of every month leading up to the release of the 13th album on the 13th day of the 13th month September. 13 13 13. Robert Smith is making sure this album gets the attention that 2004’s The Cure didn’t by making a big to do about things. Which I appreciate.
